Moroccan Court Upholds Press Freedom, Rebukes Insults
In a groundbreaking ruling hailed as a victory for Morocco's press corps, the Court of First Instance in Rabat has delivered a resounding verdict, condemning Driss Lachgar, the former secretary-general of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), for the offense of public insult directed at journalists. This landmark decision carries profound implications for the protection of media professionals and the upholding of free expression in the nation.
The judgment, rendered on Tuesday, imposed a fine of 10,000 dirhams on Lachgar, with the legal fees to be borne by the defendant, without threat of imprisonment. Significantly, the court's ruling extended beyond the imposition of a fine, as it also addressed the civil claims lodged by the aggrieved parties.
In a decisive move, the tribunal accepted the civil claims "in form and substance," ordering Lachgar to pay a civil indemnity of 25,000 dirhams to each of the plaintiffs, journalists Abdelhak Bellachgar and Safi Naciri. Moreover, the court directed the publication of the verdict, once it becomes final, in a national daily newspaper, at the defendant's expense, subject to a penalty of 300 dirhams per day of delay.
Notably, the court did not uphold the charge of "defamation" against Driss Lachgar, acquitting him of this particular accusation,.
The origins of this high-profile case can be traced back to 2021 when journalists Safi Naciri and Abdelhak Bellachgar filed a complaint against the USFP leader, Driss Lachgar. During a radio broadcast, Lachgar had launched a verbal assault on the journalists, labeling them as "mercenaries" after they inquired about his decision to seek re-election as the party's leader, a move that contradicted the party's statutes at the time.
The journalists had also raised questions about the candidacies of other prominent party figures, including Hassna Abouzaid, a prominent USFP leader. This line of questioning had evidently provoked Lachgar's ire, prompting him to verbally attack his interlocutors.
This verdict resonates profoundly within the Moroccan media landscape, serving as a powerful affirmation of the rights and protections afforded to journalists in the pursuit of their professional duties. The court's ruling sends an unequivocal message that insults and verbal assaults against media professionals will not be tolerated, upholding the principles of free expression and press freedom that form the bedrock of a vibrant democracy.
As the reverberations of this landmark decision echo throughout the nation, it stands as a testament to the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the fourth estate and fostering an environment where journalists can operate without fear of retribution or intimidation. This verdict represents a significant stride toward a more robust and independent media landscape in Morocco, solidifying the nation's commitment to upholding the fundamental rights and liberties enshrined in its constitution.